Even as a child, growing up in Chicopee, Larry Gwozdz ’69 couldn’t get enough of history. He read Funk & Wagnalls for fun, as well as biographies about George Washington, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston. He believes every American should understand “the roots of the country.”
Raised by his mother, a widow, in a small apartment above his grandparents’ home, Larry had an important role model in a neighbor who was a retired principal and steered him toward Westfield State College. Professors also mentored Larry, offering guidance and the confidence to apply to graduate school at Ohio State University, where he earned two master’s degrees, in history and public administration. They even paid the application fee he couldn’t afford at the time.
Now a senior weapons analyst for the United States Department of Defense, living in Maryland, Larry collects data on a $1.8 trillion portfolio of military weapons systems, from aircraft carriers to jets and destroyers. Deeply grateful, he believes that his history degree, and the liberal arts education he received at Westfield State, gave him the knowledge and perspective he needed to succeed.
What do you remember most about your experiences at Westfield State?
The classrooms were small, and the professors were truly interested in teaching. I remember the enthusiasm of my Spanish professor, Maria Maris, and the push of my math professor, Alphonse Jackowski, who thought I was “too good to waste on a history degree.” Andrew Raposa, a history teacher, was supreme in shaping my thinking about American history and why it’s important to be objective. My professors—each of them—taught me how to succeed, to proceed forward. I learned how to be disciplined, to channel and focus my intelligence and abilities.
What types of activities did you take part in on campus?
I had a part-time job at the bookstore, and when Juniper Park School opened, I helped move in the desks and chairs. The small-school atmosphere at Westfield State encouraged me. I was a wallflower in high school, but I was encouraged to run for elective office here. I had the encouragement to step out of my shell and see what I wanted to be and do. I was the president of my junior class and graduated with a 3.77 GPA.
What’s involved in your work?
I collect data from contractors and government staff who work at the plants that produce the country’s weapons. I report to the undersecretary for weapons acquisition on whether projects are on schedule, meet operational needs, and will be over or under cost. I started working with the United States Navy in 1980, doing an independent evaluation of the Trident Missile Program. That experience allowed me to create the job I am in now. I was hired by the Navy because its leaders discovered that people with a liberal arts, history, or business background would know how to communicate problems and recommendations to the admiral and his captains.
What are some highlights of your career?
I was drafted in early 1971 and ended up in Germany. I investigated a lot of claims about soldiers, and I am very proud to have won the Army Commendation Medal for my work—the equivalent of a Bronze Star. I also was in the Pentagon when it was attacked on 9/11. It was very frightening.
What makes you proud of Westfield State now?
I’m very impressed by the growth. I was also able to talk with some current students, and there was an enthusiasm in them and a determination as they made their way across the campus. I like that. Fifty years later, that determination is still on campus.
